Smartphones revolutionized the world of computers, bringing the same efficiency and range of features within a hand-sized device. Millions of people have switched to mobile phones and use applications for many purposes. In the last decade, developers and users have clearly preferred small screens over carrying the tedious system everywhere. Be it information exchange or transactions, millions of users are opting for mobile applications. Developers work determinedly towards new operating systems to improve the user experience. As brands look toward e-commerce to open new revenue channels, mobile users are an unforgettable audience. Cross-platform applications or hybrid mobile app development are the future to invest in.
| Also Read : React Native App Development Tools |
Hybris vs. Native: what to choose?
Before starting into mobile development, this question troubles most of the clients. Though hybrid development proves to be a better time and cost-effective option, the performance of Native apps always has an edge over cross-platform hybrid apps. Technically, native apps are built for one operating system and are device-specific. Even for upgraded versions of the same OS, developers might feel the need to upgrade the application frequently. A native app has better access to device features and hence is preferred when speed and data management are a concern. However, with the development of the latest and more efficient tech tools, the bridge has been narrowed down to nanoseconds, giving hybrid applications a swift edge over native mobile applications. The active encouragement in the industry holds immense potential for upcoming OS, something hybrid apps provides rather a competent way to deal with.
Advantages of Hybrid Applications
1. Better UI UX experience
The ultimate goal of developing any product is to get a satisfied and pleased user. No customer tends to return to a confusing and chaotic mobile application. Hybrid app developers get the option of uniformity and consistency, allowing standard themes to represent the brand’s vision. Along with that, there are more options to explore in responsive and dynamic designing, in turn leading to a superior user experience. So, the lightweight graphics and content contribute immensely to the fast speed and users seem to be a fan of flexibility and adaptability.
2. Wider target audience
It is only natural, an android user would not even spare a look towards the Ios application or vice versa. With hybrid applications, not only do the two largest names get target with a single source code file but there also room for future systems. Besides during the maintenance and upgradation process itself, changes would only have to be made in one place.
3. Cost and time effective
Instead of having two teams work separately for two products, hybrid applications are the most timely and cost-effective option out there. Not only do developers save half their time, but the resources can also be put to better use. The client can focus on other fortes and developers can channel their free time to testing and designing. With a proven better reach than native apps, the revenue coming back will put everyone in an encouraging mood.
4. It is even available offline
Asking a user to have a stable internet connection every time is pretty much an impossible expectation. The Internet may have transformed our way of living and brought every existing thing to our screens. Dependency on the internet is its biggest disadvantage, While native apps are solely dependent on stable connectivity but hybrid apps are completely free of this problem. Like most web applications, hybrid applications can run as efficiently and smoothly as before without losing any data or functioning capabilities.
5. Better Performance
It seems that native apps only hold one advantage and that too has been overcome efficiently by hybrid applications. In the long run, when each features compared head to head, native apps lose the game easily. Hybrid apps are undoubtedly the future of mobile development and already running multiple successful names. If you are a starting or established name, hybrid apps will gain a place amongst chartbusters.
Frameworks
Now that we have wooed by the benefits of hybrid applications, let’s look at the platforms where mobile app development companies can develop them. So, there are uncountable tech tools in the market, with infinite libraries and APIs. Here are a few names that have stuck on the list for years.
- React Native- If you looked for a hybrid application, you have already heard of this name. A javascript framework, this standard framework has saved the time and effort of developers all around the world.
- Flutter- A google incorporation, this is an open-source framework gaining praise for its fastness and capability of building interactive interfaces. When looking for customization and personalization, Flutter is the option to explore.
- Xamarin- This Microsoft-owned framework is compatible with any mobile device you can find. Bringing in the native development feature in hybrid, this framework creates apps that would even put native to shame.
- Ionic- As promising as its name is, this framework provides various tools for designing and development. The biggest selling point of Ionic comes from its inbuilt testing and debugging tools, every developer’s dream.
